Schools asked to register for model bridge competition by Sept. 9

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation is sponsoring its 11th annual bridge building competition for high school juniors and seniors in the Southeast District. Schools must register by Tuesday.

The competition challenges students to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials.

Bridge kits will be delivered to the participating schools Oct. 6 and 7. Completed bridges will be picked up from participating schools Nov. 3 and 4. Bridges entered in the competition will be tested Nov. 20 at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau.

The lightest bridge to carry the greatest load will be declared the winner. Prizes also will be given for the most aesthetic bridge and the winner of the electronic bridge competition.

Prizes will be awarded to the top bridge building winners. In addition, MoDOT has partnered with Arkansas State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Columbia and Southern Illinois University to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.

For more information about the competition, contact senior highway designer Anita Clark at 573-472-5292, senior highway designer Gretchen Hanks at 573-472-5294 or gretchen.hanks@modot.mo.gov, or MoDOT's Customer Service Center at 888-275-6636.